Quotes: Bucs players on Lovie Smith hiring

In announcing the hiring of Lovie Smith as Tampa Bay’s 10th head coach, the Buccaneers issued a statement that included reaction from several current Bucs players:

“I’ve just heard nothing but good things from all the players, former coaches and the fans from Chicago. Getting this type of news so early kind of gives me a little boost to work harder. Can’t wait to get him down here and play some fun football.”

— DE Adrian Clayborn

“I’m excited about getting to meet coach Smith and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. Obviously, he has a great track record in the NFL, so I think it’s a great hire. He knows how to win, has a great mind for defenses, and I’ve also heard he’s just a great person. I’m looking forward to meeting him and the rest of the coaches; hopefully, we can get started as soon as possible.”

— QB Mike Glennon

“It’s just really a certain amount of leadership that a Super Bowl-caliber coach brings to an organization. I feel, with his experience, his great leadership, I see a route that he could take this Tampa Bay team and he can put something out on the field that could be very exciting for everybody.”

— G Davin Joseph

“I’m sure this organization will have a lot of confidence in what coach Smith can do and what he can bring to this team. I’m excited to get back on the field. It’s been a long time since the injury in Atlanta and it’s given me a lot of time to get better with my game, both physically and mentally, so it’s going to be a good year.”

— RB Doug Martin

“This past season didn’t end the way we wanted, but I’m a competitor so it’s really exciting to get back to it. He’s a defensive-minded coach and he’s got a history with the Bucs. The Bears’ defense, when he was there, was top in the league. A defensive-minded coach, I’m a defensive player — I think it’s going to be awesome. Can’t wait.”

— DT Gerald McCoy

“He’s the first guy that I wanted to get and I’m excited that it came true. I’ve heard a lot of great things from guys throughout the league — I even had some guys that have played for him text me after they found out, telling me how good of a coach he is and how much he will help our team, how much he’ll improve our team. I think it’s going to help us a lot, especially having a young team, an experienced coach like that coming in who’s been there. As a coach, I don’t think you can ask for a better situation with the talented players we have on our team. From what I’m hearing, he’s the right man for the job and he’s going to take us in the right direction. That really makes me excited.”